Two county executives and a chief officer sacked by Machakos Deputy Governor Bernard Kiala were yesterday reinstated.
Governor Alfred Mutua said he had not delegated any duties to Kiala and it was illegal for him to sack the county staffers.
“Kiala’s actions are therefore unlawful, null and void.. I have thus directed that the two ministers Kioko wa Luka and Joshua Musili and chief officer Nimrod Mbai continue with their duties uninterrupted," the governor said in a statement.
He said county executives Larry Wambua and Francis Maliti remain suspended.
Mutua said Kenyans want leaders who can live within the rule of law.
“Greed for power and attempts at destabilising democratically elected governments has led to endless coups d'etats in Africa. The actions of the deputy governor should be seen in this light,” said Mutua.
Kiala sacked the staffers last Thursday.
Mutua said his deputy had “grossly violated” the constitution and the County Government Act..
Quoting the Act, he said,"the governor may assign the deputy governor any other responsibility or portofilo as a member of the county executive committee."
He said even if the governor was to delegate part of his powers under the constitution and other laws, he cannot delegate the power to nominate, appoint and dismiss officers.
